A Mother’s Hope. A Mother’s Love

Posted by noemi in 2010 Philippine Elections, Current Affairs, Politics | 7 comments

The most important political office is that of the private citizen. ~Louis Brandeis

I love my children.
I think of their future.
I hope for a good leader.

We all want that for our children, right? So listen up…

Do you wonder if our candidates think of the future of their children, or if they are single, the future of the kids of their friend or sibling. Does President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (PGMA) think of her grandchildren’s future?

Dear readers, don’t be swayed by herd mentality that this candidate is good for the country or their emotional appeal, or celebrity status. Some of you are probably supporting a candidate this early but it pays to make the decision on informed choices. You are opinion leaders who can probably influence a non-internet user.

To the second district of Pampanga, I appeal to your conscience. Vote your candidate based on their character, competence, and platform. It’s that simple.

1. Character- Does your candidate have the commitment to serve or are they just after the power behind the position? What is their true motive?

2. Competence- How did your candidate behave in office? What is their track record?

3. What can your candidate do for us? What are their platforms? Is the “platform” merely motherhood statements, a “feel good” platitude about a worthy concept that few of us would disagree with but without any specified plans for realization.

I know you, the kapampangans will benefit if PGMA is your congresswoman. But think outside of Pampanga. Think about the Philippines. Is PGMA sincere in serving your district or does she have other agenda. Conduct a conversation among your friends and relatives.

I appeal to you all because I love my children. I know I could have left the country at the height of the dictatorship but I didn’t. I wanted to help my country by being a mother to the future citizens of the Philippines.

Every day I try to educate my two household staff on responsible voting, on candidates’ character and competence, the candidate’s capability to articulate a coherent platform or roadmap for change and transparency in campaign finance.

I believe the challenge for the May 2010 election is maturity in the way voters and candidates conduct themselves.

I have no other motive in electoral reform advocacy than a deep love for my children. Save their future. Be vigilant and informed. Visit our new media initiative at blogwatch.ph where we provide different perspectives on the elections apart from that of traditional media.

Take up the challenge to make a difference no matter how small.